November is CPR Month

Heart attacks continue to be a leading cause of death among Canadians. They claim the lives of more than 16,000 Canadians every year according to StatsCan 2012 data.

Do you know what to do if you encounter someone suffering a heart attack?

Take these steps:

Begin Emergency Scene Management

. Take charge.
. Call out for help.
. Assess hazards and make the area safe.
. Assess responsiveness of casualty.
. Send or go for medical help and an AED.

Check breathing. If the casualty is not breathing, begin CPR:

CPR Steps

1. Make sure casualty is on a firm flat surface.
2. Place hands on centre of chest.
3. Position shoulders directly over hands and keep elbows locked.
4. Compress 30 times. Push hard – Push fast.
5. Use face shield as recommended.
6. Pinch nose and make a tight seal over the mouth.
7. Give 2 breaths.
8. Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or an AED is available.

If you are untrained or unsure of your skills – don’t give up. Give compression only CPR – pushing hard and fast at least 100 times a minute.

This information is no substitute for thorough knowledge of First Aid or CPR!